The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has issued a strong condemnation of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's remarks suggesting that "Israel" can target civilians in Gaza for "self-defense".

The group argued that Baerbock should have denounced the occupation’s violations of international law, particularly concerning attacks on UNIFIL in Lebanon.

The PIJ further asserted that the German government ought to follow the lead of other European nations by halting arms shipments to "Israel".

They stated that providing military support amid reported crimes against civilians makes Germany complicit in human rights violations.

"Military support for occupation in light of crimes against civilians makes Germany complicit in human rights violations," PIJ said.

Additionally, the group rejected the notion that civilian locations lose their protective status simply because the military claims armed individuals are present.

"We refuse claims of civilian locations losing protective status simply because the enemy alleges armed individuals present in them," it stressed.

'Germany should instead reassess its policy'

PIJ urged the German government to reassess its policies regarding support for "Israel", emphasizing that such statements dangerously justify attacks on civilian sites under the pretense of the presence of armed individuals.

They emphasized that the reality on the ground shows that the Israeli occupation continues to systematically target civilian sites, a fact documented by numerous international bodies and institutions.

This constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which impose absolute protection for civilians in armed conflicts, as per the group.

They also added that it is the "duty of what is known as the international community and the countries that claim to protect human rights to take urgent steps to ensure respect for international law and to protect civilians in Palestine and Lebanon, as well as to put an immediate end to the excessive and disproportionate use of force that threatens the lives of thousands of innocent people."

German FM advocates for 'Israel's' right to attack civilians for 'self-defense'

Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, addressed parliament on Tuesday, defending the Israeli actions in targeting civilians in Gaza.

She stated, “Self-defence means not only attacking terrorists but destroying them. When Hamas terrorists hide behind people, behind schools… civilian places lose their protected status because terrorists abuse it.” 

In a parliamentary address, #Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to "Israel", saying that "civilian sites could lose their protected status."

In a bid to go even further in Germany's support for "Israel" in its genocide, Baerbock not only… pic.twitter.com/gv3XkdlbWU

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 16, 2024

This comes as the Gaza Health Ministry said in its daily report on the 375th day of the Israeli genocide that the total number of Palestinians killed since October 7 of last year has now risen to 42,344 martyrs, with 99,013 injured.

Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces continue committing harrowing massacres in various regions across Palestine and Lebanon, more than two weeks after the significant escalation of aggression, which has been particularly targeting displaced civilians in supposed safe areas of refuge.

The Lebanese Health Ministry's Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) stated Tuesday that 2,309 Lebanese were killed and 10,782 more were injured in the Israeli aggression on the country.